Reindeer Causes Traffic Jam on 5 Freeway; One Struck, Another Escapes

A reindeer roamed the 5 Freeway near San Fernando this morning, turning a quiet stretch of highway into a traffic jam and leaving one animal injured while another slipped away.

Incident Overview

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident began around 6:30 a.m. on Saturday when a call was received about two reindeer walking along the southbound lanes of the 5 Freeway, just before the 118 Freeway ramp. The animals were moving in a direction that threatened oncoming traffic, prompting immediate action from highway officials.

CHP and Caltrans Response

CHP officers arrived on scene and coordinated with Caltrans workers who were already present. Video footage, later broadcast on NBC4 News at 11 p.m. on Dec. 13, 2025, shows the situation unfolding in real time. Two Caltrans trucks can be seen zig‑zagging as crews attempt to corral the reindeer.

The CHP reported that at least one of the reindeer was struck by a vehicle. The other animal walked off the roadway. The owner of the struck reindeer was able to recover the animal after it was removed from the scene.

Witness Accounts

Steve Bracamontes, who was passing the area when the traffic jam formed, said, “My first thought was that Santa had lost one of his helpers,” reflecting the surreal nature of the sight.

Bracamontes also noted that the deer began moving toward oncoming traffic but Caltrans workers were following the animals. His observations provide a first‑hand perspective on how quickly the situation escalated.

Video Footage

The NBC4 News segment, aired the following evening, captured the chaotic attempt to guide the reindeer back onto the road. The footage shows Caltrans trucks weaving through traffic, attempting to keep the animal from crossing into lanes where vehicles were traveling. Viewers could see the reindeer’s frantic movements and the crews’ efforts to contain it.

Unresolved Questions

While the CHP confirmed that one reindeer was struck and the other walked away, it remains unclear whether the second animal was located after it left the roadway. No additional information has been released regarding the fate of the second reindeer.

Key Takeaways

• Two reindeer were seen on the southbound 5 Freeway near the 118 ramp around 6:30 a.m. Saturday.
• One reindeer was struck by a vehicle; the other walked off the road.
• CHP and Caltrans crews worked together to corral the animals, with video footage shown on NBC4 News.
• The owner of the struck reindeer recovered the animal after it was removed from the scene.

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters on highways and underscores the importance of rapid coordination between law enforcement and transportation officials.

Closing

As traffic resumed after the reindeer incident, drivers were reminded to remain alert for wildlife, especially during early morning hours when animals may cross roadways. The CHP and Caltrans will continue to monitor the area to prevent future occurrences.